And peak in terms of skill. Sure Memento was a better movie, I can agree with that, but it was his second film. You don't peak skill wise in your 2nd film.

Ever heard of George Lucas, M Night, or the Wachowskis? I'd even argue Cameron Crowe too.

It actually happens often. Directors bring in a fresh perspective on their first few films but after receiving so many accolades, they begin to believe their own hype and they continue their career trying to propagate the myths of what they feel made them famous in the first place.

"We want to see the newest things. That is because we want to see the future, even if only momentarily. It is the moment in which, even if we don't completely understand what we have glimpsed, we are nonetheless touched by it. This is what we have come to call art." -Takashi Murakami